BA in Religion, Philosophy & Ethics

The questions ‘what does it mean to be human?’ and ‘what is justice?’ have inspired philosophers and influenced the development of religious and ethical thought throughout history. This course will introduce you to some of the most important topics in religion, philosophy, and ethics and give you a full understanding of their historical and contemporary contexts.

94% of Graduates agree that this course has provided them with opportunities to explore ideas or concepts in depth. (National Student Survey, 2019)

Course overview

On this course, we tackle and process the big questions around the notions of evil, morality, suffering, genetic engineering, religion and feminism, ‘unforgivable’ crimes and medical intervention. These questions and other hard-hitting contemporary issues are integral to this varied and exciting degree programme.

Within this Religion, Philosophy and Ethics course, you will consider the ethical and philosophical issues that arise in central philosophical and religious texts. You will also have the chance to study abroad, with current destinations including Norway and the USA.

The research interests within the department are wide and varied, with staff publishing work on a range of topics within theology, philosophy, religious studies and ethics. On this course, you will be part of a thriving department committed to excellence in teaching, learning and research. Our experienced staff are passionate about their subject and dedicated to enabling students to achieve success.

There are no formal examinations: assessment may include essays, group and individual presentations and reflective pieces. There is a broad range of popular career routes which utilise the skills cultivated on this course; these include teaching, social services, law, media, charity and community projects, as well as other options in the commercial, business and industry sectors.

Course structure

Level 1

Modules include:

Studying Religion (20 credits)

This module introduces you to the academic study of religion. It will introduce basic terms, methodologies and issues in the study of religion in preparation for your degree programme.

Values & Virtues (20 credits)

This module examines key concepts and theories within both religious and secular ethical discourses and applies them to contexts, such as famine and affluence. You will explore questions such as ‘what informs the ethical decisions people make’; ‘on what do people base their attitudes to moral dilemmas’; ‘are there sources for moral reasoning other than religious ones’; ‘what, if anything, do rich nations owe poorer nations’?

Philosophy & Religion (20 credits)

The module will take you through important debates in the philosophy of religion, from the classic to the contemporary. You will gain a critical understanding of religion as a pervasive aspect of human society, as well as challenging preconceived ideas and learning how to construct rational arguments.

World Christianity (20 credits)

This module introduces the story of Christianity. Students will consider the religion’s global spread, considering its interaction with diverse cultural, political and social contexts. The aim is to enable an understanding of Christianity today, the nature and impact of secularisation and areas of growth and decline.

Global Islam (20 credits)

Islam is a much-discussed topic, but often people misunderstand and misrepresent this diverse tradition. We will cover the basic beliefs and practices followed by the majority of Muslims across the globe as well as exploring some of the different groups who call themselves Muslim. The experience of Muslims in the UK will be unpacked from a religious, social and political perspective.

Level 2

Modules include:

From Descartes to Marx – Philosophers & Religion (20 credits)

This module focuses on modern western philosophy and aims to cover in some detail key philosophers from the beginning of the 17th century through to the end of the 19th century, as well as the ethical and religious issues that emerge from their thought.

Engaging with Philosophical Texts (20 credits)

Students will engage with selected philosophical texts thoroughly, critically and imaginatively. Texts will be explored alongside the development of a critical understanding of their cultural, religious and political contexts, so as to give students a deeper understanding of how to engage with philosophical material.

Film, Ethics & Theology (20 credits)

This module will explore the way in which film may be used as a source of theological and ethical reflection and, introduce students to a range of approaches to understanding the significance of film-watching more generally. Students will be given a conceptual base on which they will then develop their own engagement with film.

Matters of Life & Death (20 credits)

The module will take you through some of the key life and death issues in practical philosophy. You will challenge existing assumptions by identifying, critiquing and assessing arguments. By the end of the module, you will have gained a critical understanding of religious and medical ethics.

Work-Related Learning (20 credits)

This module ensures students are aware of the requirements, resources and opportunities involved in seeking graduate career pathways, postgraduate study or, for mature students, other appropriate vocations. An important element of this module is that students research and reflect on their own learning in relation to skills and career opportunities.

Religion & Human Diversity (20 credits)

This module incorporates the study and development of research methodologies and approaches used within religious studies with a focus on the anthropology of religion. There are opportunities to study indigenous religions and cultural forms of major world religions or different Christian denominations in specific contexts; it also helps to prepare students for third-year research modules allowing them to choose a religious community to study from which to begin a research project.

Level 3

Modules include:

Forgiveness & Reconciliation (20 credits)

Students will be introduced to a range of philosophical and theological perspectives concerning the meaning and possibility of forgiveness and reconciliation and learn how to use resources from a range of other disciplines (e.g. ethical and political theory, peace studies, psychology) to conduct a sustained, critical reflection upon these issues.

Religion & Globalisation (20 credits)

This module includes an examination of the religious systems of global society, religions as geographical representations of the global world, religious responses to global issues and more.

Feminist Ethics & Religion (20 credits)

The module will take you through advanced moral theory and issues in applied ethics, considering both traditional approaches and contemporary feminist arguments. You will challenge presumptions and prejudices and learn to identify gender discrimination in theory and practice while relating your findings to the teaching and practice of the Abrahamic religions.

Religion & the Visual Arts (20 credits)

This module explores the relationship between religion and the visual arts with a focus on contemporary art. We will cover a whole range of artistic genres, both with the specific religious subject matter and without, to explore the myriad ways that religious ideas are expressed in art.

Dissertation (20-40 credits)

In your final year, you will write a dissertation (an independent research project) on a subject of your choice, under the guidance of a supervisor.

All modules subject to availability. Not all modules will run every year.

Teaching & Assessment

You will be introduced to a reflective approach to learning to help you develop your academic, personal and professional skills and you will be encouraged to reflect on your learning throughout your degree programme.

The tutors will use a variety of learning and teaching methods in their sessions which are tailored both towards the subject and different approaches to learning (for example, lectures, seminars, group activities, visiting speakers, media, visits to relevant places of interest.) You will be given opportunities to actively participate in the teaching sessions and to develop your confidence through learning activities such as group discussion and presentations. This will enable you to develop both independence and collaborative skills as you learn both with and from your peers. Your tutor will guide you in preparing for these activities.

You will encounter a range of assessment strategies throughout your degree programme. These are designed to help you to enhance existing skills and build confidence in developing new ones. Assessments will include written, oral and visual communication, which you will be able to build on in the future. For example essays, group or individual oral presentations, reflective writing, articles, exhibitions, portfolios and dissertations.

Entry Requirements

Qualifications

The minimum entry requirements for this course are:

• 96 UCAS Tariff points
• 3 GCSEs at grade C/4 or above (or equivalent) including the English Language

Terms and conditions

Our terms and conditions, policies and procedures contain important information about studying at York St John University. These can be accessed through our Admissions webpages.

Founded in 1841 York St John University has been at the forefront of Higher Education for over 175 years. As soon as you walk through the doors, you’ll notice it. The warm welcome that comes with a university with a real community spirit.

We pride ourselves in our community here at York St John University. It’s a close-knit, inclusive place that offers a lot more than a degree certificate. With official ‘Sanctuary’ status, we see our role as something bigger than an education provider. Our role in the city of York is one we take seriously. Many of our students engage directly with the wider community across so many different levels. From prison partnerships to working with disabled athletes, military rehabilitation to free creative courses for mental health service users – we fight to remove the hurdles that prevent participation.